[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 21 (Monday, May 29, 2006)]
[Pages 981-982]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8022--World Trade Week, 2006

May 19, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Free and fair trade is a powerful engine for growth and job creation 
in the United States and in countries throughout the world. World Trade 
Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of trade for people 
everywhere.
    America is a great force for prosperity, and our country's economic 
and national security interests are advanced through strong economic 
ties with our friends and allies. Since 2001, my Administration has 
concluded or implemented free trade agreements with 15 countries. We are 
working toward agreements with 11 additional countries, and we will 
continue to pursue further opportunities.
    Last August, I was pleased to sign legislation implementing the 
Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement 
(CAFTA-DR). CAFTA-DR will reduce tariffs on American goods and expand 
export opportunities for American businesses. When the rules are fair, 
American people and businesses can compete with anyone in the world. 
CAFTA-DR will also advance our commitment to democracy and prosperity 
for our neighbors.
    Studies have shown that the elimination of global trade barriers 
could help lift hundreds of millions of the world's poor out of poverty 
and boost economic growth around the world. An important opportunity to 
deliver the full benefits of trade to people around the world is the 
Doha Round of trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization. An 
ambitious Doha agreement could bring benefits to all nations, especially 
the developing world, and my Administration is working for a successful 
conclusion to these negotiations.
    During World Trade Week and throughout the year, the United States 
remains committed to increasing free and fair trade and to improving the 
standard of living for our citizens. By working with our friends and 
allies, we will continue to help build a world

[[Page 982]]

that lives in liberty, trades in freedom, and grows in prosperity.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 21 through May 27, 
2006, as World Trade Week. I encourage all Americans to observe this 
week with appropriate events, trade shows, and educational programs that 
celebrate the benefits of trade to our Nation and people around the 
world.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:47 a.m., May 23, 2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 24. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.